The Ohio State University released the findings of an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the resignation of former President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. on Apr. 21.
The investigation was conducted by the Office of University Compliance and Integrity and the Department of Internal Audit, under direction from the General Counsel, after a request from the Board of Trustees following Carter’s resignation. These offices operate independently and report to the Board’s Legal, Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee.
John W. Zeiger, chair of the board, said, “We are grateful for the careful and comprehensive work that went into finalizing this report. Its findings regarding our former president are deeply disappointing, but it is gratifying the university’s systems and processes – and the people charged with implementing them – prevented misuse of Ohio State’s resources.” Zeiger also said, “Thanks to the strength of the university family’s commitment to our mission and values, these events, while unsettling, have not distracted from Ohio State’s forward momentum and accelerating excellence.”
According to a summary provided by Ohio State University officials in their public release, Carter used his position as president to seek resources for a personal associate from both within Ohio State and its key partners; however, university procedures stopped those efforts internally. The report also noted that no further personnel actions were recommended after Carter’s resignation or that of Senior Vice President Chris Kabourek on April 14. The university will continue responding to state and federal inquiries as needed.
The investigative report includes several recommendations such as maintaining oversight over presidential travel and expenditure requests by independent offices; reviewing how leadership requests assistance within units; revising ethics training for senior leaders; and reinforcing institutional culture based on shared values.
Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer Gates Garrity-Rokous said: “While our internal systems held strong, the circumstances disclosed in the investigative report underscore the need to continually examine and make adjustments accordingly. Most important is a strong adherence to our values as a basis for all decisions and actions.”
Ohio State University competes in 36 varsity sports with multiple Big Ten championships as well as national titles according to its official website. The institution contributes through community engagement initiatives like pediatric cancer research fundraising drives and annual global service trips for students according to its official website. Facilities such as Wexner Center for the Arts support academics while recreation centers provide additional opportunities according to its official website. The university operates six campuses across Ohio with Extension offices present in every county according to its official website. As part of its land-grant mission it emphasizes affordable education alongside research innovation statewide according to its official website.